The big picture pattern will remain similar over the next five days with a ridge of high pressure over the Western U.S. and a deep trough over the Eastern U.S., which will support an arctic airmass remaining in place with well-below-average temperatures. 

In the West, a series of storms tracking along the northern periphery of the ridge will bring snow, but also low-elevation rain, to British Columbia this week, with lighter amounts south of the border.

A Nor'easter is possible along the East Coast this weekend, with snow potential from the Carolinas to New England depending on the storm track. There are still significant model discrepancies in the storm track, leading to uncertainty in the forecast. 

Forecast for Wednesday (Jan 28):

A storm will impact the Northwest, bringing moderate to heavy snow to the Washington Cascades and the British Columbia Coast Range. A weaker disturbance will track further south into Oregon, Northern California, and the Northern/Central U.S. Rockies with light snow showers expected.

In the East, localized lake effect snow showers will develop across the Great Lakes region, with a few snow showers also reaching West Virginia to the south and Vermont to the east.

Forecast for Thursday (Jan 29):

A storm will continue across the Northwest, but temperatures and snow levels will be on the rise, with ski resorts in Washington and lower elevation BC seeing a changeover to rain or mixed precipitation. Snow will also spread inland into the Interior of BC, Northern Idaho, and Montana.

Lingering snow showers from a weak disturbance can also be expected over the Central Rockies early on Thursday.

In the East, localized lake effect snow showers will continue in Michigan, Ontario, and New York.

Forecast for Friday (Jan 30):

The next storm will impact Western Canada, and this storm looks stronger, but rain will fall across lower elevations, with higher elevation ski resorts being the most favored for snow. Rain is also expected at Washington ski resorts.

In the East, lake effect snow showers will continue in the usual spots, while a storm will also develop over the Southeast on Friday night, with snow becoming possible over the Southern Appalachians and Southern Mid-Atlantic. 

Forecast for Saturday (Jan 31):

A coastal storm will strengthen on Saturday, and while there is still uncertainty in the track, ski resorts in the Southern Appalachians will be in play for snow. The heaviest snow is currently expected in the Eastern Carolinas and Virginia on Saturday, but this could always change. 

In the West, snow and rain showers will remain possible over Western Canada early in the day, followed by a break in the pattern in the afternoon and evening. A storm will also bring snow to the Northern U.S. Plains and Canadian Prairie.

Forecast for Sunday (Feb 1):

The storm will continue to move up the East Coast on Sunday, and depending on the track, moderate to heavy snow and strong winds will be possible across the major East Coast cities, while ski resort snowfall from the Northern Mid-Atlantic and New England will largely hinge on whether or not the storm track is far enough west and not too far east. 

In the West, a weaker storm will impact Western Canada and Washington. However, temperatures will remain mild, keeping meaningful snow confined to higher elevations, while lower elevation ski terrain will see rain or a mix.

Outlook for Mon (Feb 2) to Fri (Feb 6):

Next week, a ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the West, leading to a further drying trend across the Western U.S. and Southwest Canada. The storm track will shift into Northern BC, but warm temperatures will lead to rain concerns up there. In fact, temperatures are expected to be well-above-average throughout the West.

In the East, the arctic airmass should relent somewhat, but temperatures will still be colder than average. The overall pattern looks relatively dry for now, but there are some signals indicating a northwest flow pattern that would favor snow showers from the Great Lakes to the western slopes of the Central and Southern Appalachians

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (January 30).

Alan Smith